Preschool Teacher Assistant

Description

Job Description:

Assists teacher in the establishment, planning and implementation of safe, healthy, high quality learning experiences and environments that advances the development of the whole child in partnership with families. Complies with all CPCD policies and procedures, Head Start Performance Standards, Colorado Department of Human Services licensing requirements and the Colorado Quality Standards for Early childhood Education Services. . Implements a balance of group and individualized experiences to promote the development of school readiness skills as defined by CPCD’s School Readiness Action Plan.

Pay Scale:

Step 1: High school diploma or equivalent & relevant experience

• $17.59/hr.

Step 2: Age appropriate CDA or Level II credential

• $19.30/hr.

Step 3: Colorado Department of Human Services Director Qualification (DQ)/ Level 3

• $20.28/hr.

Step 4: Colorado Department of Human Services Director Qualification (DQ)/ Level 3 and 12 credit hours in ECE (can include Pyramid Plus and EQIT)

• $21.28/hr.

Step 5: Associate Degree in ECE or Related Field (AA + 24 credit hours in ECE)

• $22.34/hr.

About CPCD:

At CPCD, we provide more than 1,100 children living in poverty, or who are challenged by special circumstances, with an early childhood education through Head Start, Early Head Start, and the Universal Preschool Program. Our additional health, dental, and family support services ensure that children enrolled in our programs are ready to succeed in school and life. Join our team and help us make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.

Additional Benefits for Eligible Employees (25+ hours per week):

CPCD offers paid vacation time, paid sick time, and paid holidays/Breaks.

• Paid Holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Presidents Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• Paid Breaks include 1-week for Spring Break (March), 1-week for Fall Break (November), and 2- weeks for Winter Break (end of December/beginning of January).

Eligible employees receive a competitive benefits package including

• Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, Aflac supplemental insurance, and voluntary life insurance. CPCD also pays for Basic Life, Long Term Disability, and AD&D insurance at no cost to you.

• Our 401(k) program offers traditional and Roth enrollment options with automatic enrollment in our profit-sharing after 1-year of employment.

Tuition Assistance is available after 60 days of employment

• $4,000 per year for Early Childhood Education Associates/Bachelor’s Degrees.

• $2,500 per year for other degrees related to employment at CPCD.

Employee Wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Program provides 6 FREE sessions with a counselor or therapist per year

• Full well-being program to encourage and promote your well-being in the workplace, including 2 hours of paid time per month for wellness activities.

Please Note: The successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination, TB screen, back-ground screen and drug test (including marijuana) is required.

Requirements

Required:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Early Childhood Professional Credential Level II (PDIS) required. Candidates who do not currently hold the required credential must be willing to obtain it within two (2) years of hire.
• Must obtain certification in the observation-based assessment system within the first 90 days of employment.
• Must obtain First Aid, CPR, and Medication Administration Certification within 90 days of employment and maintain as required.
• Must be able to lift/carry/manipulate up to 40 pounds.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, TB risk assessment, drug test (including marijuana), and background check in accordance with the Office of Head Start Performance Standards and Childcare Licensing. (Physical examination and TB test thereafter as required).
• Must have access to reliable transportation and if using a personal vehicle, must have valid registration and maintain minimum liability insurance as determined by the State of Colorado.

Preferred:

• At least one year of successful work experience with children birth to age three and/or to age five.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish or other language relevant to the community served)
• PDIS level II DQ

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

Support Classroom Teachers

• Assist the lead teacher in planning and implementing age-appropriate activities that promote the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of preschool children.
• Help organize the learning environment, including preparing materials and setting up for daily lessons, crafts, and playtime.
• Collaborate with the lead teacher to assess each child’s progress and assist in adjusting learning strategies to meet individual needs.

Supervision and Safety

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children, maintaining constant supervision during classroom activities, outdoor play and transitions.
• Assist in enforcing safety rules and routines, conducting regular safety checks of equipment, and ensuring a hazard-free environment.
• Support children in bathroom routines, handwashing, and other hygiene practices, as well as assist with diapering or toilet training as needed.

Facilitate Learning and Play-Based Engagement

• Engage with children in play and structured activities, encouraging exploration, creativity, and learning through hands-on experiences.
• Model and encourage positive social behaviors such as sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution among children.
• Provide guidance and support to children during activities that develop their fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving, and social interactions.

Classroom Management and Routines

• Assist in maintaining a positive and orderly classroom environment by enforcing classroom rules and routines with consistency and patience.
• Support smooth transitions between activities, helping children move between learning stations, meals, and outdoor time with minimal disruptions.
• Use positive reinforcement and guidance to address behavior challenges, reinforcing appropriate behaviors and fostering a supportive environment.

Promote Social and Emotional Development

• Foster a supportive and nurturing classroom environment where children feel valued, respected, and encouraged to express their feelings.
• Model positive behaviors and guide children in developing interpersonal skills such as sharing, taking turns, conflict resolution, and building friendships.
• Help children navigate their emotions and behaviors, providing support during difficult moments, and teaching self-regulation techniques.

Assist with Daily Care Routines

• Assist children with basic self-care needs, including handwashing, bathroom routines, and preparing for meals or nap time.
• Help supervise meals and snacks, promoting healthy eating habits and good manners during group meal times.

Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain open and effective communication with the lead teacher to ensure consistency in lesson plans, routines, and individual child attention.
• Update parents on their child's progress, daily activities, and any concerns as directed by the lead teacher, fostering a positive school-family partnership.
• Collaborate with other staff members to create a cohesive and supportive learning environment for the children.

Professional Development

• Participate in regular professional development opportunities, staff meetings, and required training to improve skills and stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
• Demonstrate a commitment to learning and growing in the field of early childhood education by actively engaging in educational activities and training.
• Be open to feedback and seek opportunities for growth to enhance teaching skills and classroom contributions.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Assist in maintaining accurate attendance records, incident reports, behavioral observations, and developmental progress reports for each child. 
• Help in gathering documentation to showcase each child's progress throughout the school year.

Confidentiality

• Maintain confidentiality regarding all children, families, and staff by safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring it is shared only with authorized personnel.
• Adhere to organizational policies on privacy and data protection, ensuring that any discussions or records concerning children's progress, behavior, or family circumstances remain confidential.
• Ensure confidentiality is observed in all communications, including face-to-face, written, and electronic formats.

Health, Hygiene, and Cleanliness

• Follow health and hygiene standards, ensuring toys, materials, and equipment are cleaned and sanitized regularly to prevent the spread of illness.
• Ensure children practice proper hygiene, such as handwashing before meals and after using the bathroom, and assist them as needed.

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the lead teacher or Child Development Supervisor to ensure the efficient operation of the classroom and support the needs of the children.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CPCD is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.